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Aussie make call on skipper as star-studded squad named for first post-WC assignment
South Africa claim ODI series vs Aus | 02:23Captain Sophie Molineux has been named in Australia’s first squad since winning the T20 World Cup in July as she faces a race against the clock to be fit to face Bangladesh in a three-game ODI series in Brisbane.
Molineux has been battling a hip issue and will be the lone member of the squad to sit out as they tune up for the series opener on October 9 by playing for their states in the WNCL this week. Watch Australia’s Tour of South Africa Live & Exclusive on Fox Cricket, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo?
From the XI that lifted the trophy at Lord’s, Molineux is joined on the sidelines at the moment by rising star Lucy Hamilton. The 20-year-old left arm pace bowler has been ruled out of the ODIs against Bangladesh after injuring her quad at Queensland training.
Australian selectors are hopeful Hamilton will be back for the three-match T20 series against New Zealand, starting in Sydney on October 18 - both series will be broadcast live on Fox Cricket, available on Kayo Sports. Australia’s pace bowling stocks have also taken a hit with Darcie Brown, who was surprisingly left out of the T20 World Cup squad, has been ruled out with a back injury.
“Sophie has been named in the squad but has been managing a hip injury, so her involvement in the series will continue to be assessed over the coming days,” national selector Shawn Flegler said. Australia's captain Sophie Molineux runs in with the ball during the ICC Women's T20 cricket world cup 2026 game between Australia and Bangladesh, at Headingley in Leeds, northern England on June 17, 2026.
“Lucy suffered a mild quad strain at training, but we’re hopeful she’ll recover in time to be fit and firing for the T20 series.
“Darcie was assessed on her return home from the Australia A tour to India and has a back injury. Her availability for the Women’s Big Bash will be determined over the coming weeks.
“With the T20 squad reduced in size and limited opportunities during the World Cup, Grace is unlucky to miss out on selection but remains in the frame moving forward. ” The T20 series against New Zealand will be vital for the Australians as it will be their last international matches in the format ahead of February’s inaugural T20 Champions Trophy in India.
After the Trans-Tasman clashes at North Sydney Oval, the Australians will gear up for that tournament by playing in the WBBL from October 29 to December 5.
“These six matches will provide a great challenge for the side following the World Cup, with both Bangladesh and New Zealand presenting different challenges,” Flegler said. “Bangladesh will be a really good test, particularly with the quality they have in their bowling attack. “It’s also a great opportunity for our batters to get exposure to subcontinent-style bowling ahead of the Champions Trophy in India.
”Sophie Molineux , Tahlia McGrath , Ashleigh Gardner , Nicola Carey, Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton , Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia WarehamFirst ODI: Friday, October 9 All matches played at Allan Border Field, Brisbane, starting at 1:50pm local timeThird T20I: Thursday, October 22
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